Air India Flights to Take Longer Due to Pakistan Airspace Closure

Air India passengers are being warned to expect significantly longer flight times following the closure of Pakistani airspace to Indian airlines. The move, announced on April 24, is forcing Air India to reroute many international flights, adding hours to journeys and leading to potential delays and schedule adjustments.

Why Is Pakistan’s Airspace Closed?

Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated following a terror attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed at least 26 people. In response, Pakistan suspended overflight permissions for all Indian-owned and Indian-operated airlines. The closure immediately impacts routes that typically relied on the shorter air corridor through Pakistani airspace, especially flights to Europe, North America, and the Middle East.

How Flights Are Affected

Previously, many Air India flights — particularly long-haul routes to London, Toronto, and New York — utilized Pakistani airspace for the most direct route. Without access, these flights must now take longer paths over the Arabian Sea, Iran, and Central Asia.
As a result:

• Flight times are increasing by 1 to 4 hours, depending on the destination.
• For example, a Toronto to Delhi flight on April 24, 2025, lasted 18 hours and 22 minutes, compared to the usual 14 hours, according to FlightAware.

Air India’s Statement

Air India issued an official statement regarding the situation:

“Air India regrets the inconvenience caused to our passengers due to this unforeseen airspace closure that is outside our control. We would like to reiterate that at Air India, the safety of our customers and crew remains top priority.”

Routes Most Affected

The following Air India flights are experiencing the greatest impact:

• Delhi to London
• Mumbai to London
• Delhi to Toronto
• Delhi to New York (JFK and Newark)
• Amritsar to London and Birmingham
• Vancouver to Delhi

Flights from other Canadian cities (through connections) such as Calgary, Ottawa, Edmonton, Montreal, and Halifax are also indirectly affected.

What This Means for Travelers

If you have upcoming travel with Air India:

• Check your flight status regularly via Air India’s website or call center.
• Expect longer flight durations — in some cases, by several hours.
• Plan for additional layover time if you have connecting flights.
• Prepare for longer travel times with extra entertainment, snacks, and essentials.

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Despite these disruptions, Air India has emphasized that passenger and crew safety remains their top priority.

FAQs About Air India Flights and the Pakistan Airspace Closure

Why are Air India flights taking longer now?

Due to Pakistan closing its airspace to Indian airlines, Air India must reroute flights over longer paths, adding 1 to 4 extra hours to flight times.

Are Air India flights from Canada also affected?

Yes, flights from Toronto, Vancouver, and connecting cities like Calgary and Montreal are experiencing longer travel times to India.

How can travelers stay updated on flight changes?

Travelers should check their flight status regularly through Air India’s website, mobile app, or by contacting their call center directly.

Sources: Reuters, Reuters, The Times of India, The Economic Times, The Economic Times, Daily Hive